When most couples plan their wedding day they take a lot of things into consideration. They coordinate the date according to vacation times from work. Or they plan the day according to the best time for family to come into town. Or they make plans according to the availability of the church or restaurant.

But one of the biggest things couples fail to plan for is the photographer.  This is no small matter.  And I am not just saying it because I am a wedding photographer. 

No planning the wedding day with the wedding photographer in mind could mean all the difference in the world. Especially when you consider the pictures are what is going to be captured for a lifetime.

What are some of the factors when you start planning with the photographer in mind.  The time and the date.

Let’s begin talking about time.  How many couples would want their photographer rushing through the photo shoot? I am pretty confident most couples will not agree to that. 

Well without even thinking about your photographer, a lot of times couples will do just that. The couple will end up rushing the photographer to get all the shots in. 

How so you say? Well let’s say, the couple makes the ceremony between 1-2 pm. With the reception beginning at 2:30.  How many shots do you think the photographer can realistically get in with only half an hour to work with?  Not many.

Worse yet, what if he does get all the shots? Do you think they are going to take good quality shots when they are rushed?  Of course not.

So plan the wedding times and the receptions accordingly making sure there is ample time to take photos.

The second thing to think about when doing your planning is to keep the photographer’s availability in mind.

Most probably don’t realize this, but most good photographers will be booked months in advance.  And if you are dealing with let’s say a large photography company, they may have several photographers.

Well without considering your photographers availability on the wedding day could turn into a disaster. Because when you reserve that special day, without making sure your photographer is available, come wedding day you might get a shock when you find somebody totally different.

This scenario happens when you are dealing with a big company. You may not even realize that they have a staff of photographers and if the photographer you liked is booked, unless you ask, they might not tell you.  When your wedding day comes, they might just outsource their work or a second rate photographer might show up.

So be prepared and don’t let this happen. Planning that special wedding day can be truly wonderful.  Make sure you plan it also with your wedding photographer in mind.